Free To Choose Network | Tribute to Our Founder, Bob Chitester
TRIBUTE TO OUR FOUNDER, BOB CHITESTER
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1937 - 2021

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I —
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

— Excerpt from Robert Frost poem, "The Road Less Traveled"

"Far exceeding medical predictions, Bob Chitester, founder and chairman of Free To Choose Network, passed away on May 8, 2021 after a seven–year battle with cancer. He was the visionary who started and led the organization for more than 35 years, following his world–changing PBS series and subsequent book, Free To Choose. His profound legacy will carry on, but our friend and teacher will be greatly missed."

— Rob Chatfield, President and CEO of Free To Choose Network.


Please send cards or letters to Chitester Family, c/o Free To Choose Network, 2002 Filmore Avenue, Erie, PA 16506.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Free To Choose Network.

SHARE YOUR MEMORY OF BOB

Did you meet Bob on a plane and get an inflight lesson on freedom? Did you learn about the libertarian themes in Harry Potter from Bob, or did he simply run past you in a 10k race? If you have a particular memory of Bob that you would like to share with us, please click on the SHARE HERE button below.

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REMEMBERING BOB
Erie, PA, can thank Bob Chitester for orchestrating a public television station in its community. While there was a desire for a public television station, Bob was the only person who had the knowledge on how to bring it about. Construction permits were granted in 1966, but government grants required WQLN to be on air by Aug. 13, 1967. It went on air at 6 pm, despite not having a studio, camera, or microphone.
Bob Chitester, WQLN office, Erie, PA
Christmas was always a special time for Bob, and he brought his festive spirit into the office. From dressing up to regaling employees with signing The Christmas Song, Bob always made it a joyful time.
Bob Chitester, Christmas party, WQLN office. Erie, PA
Bob and his sideburns have been friends with Walter Williams for many years. Here, Bob regales Walter, Ed Feulner, and Don Lambro with producing tales.
Ed Feulner, Don Lambro, Walter Williams, Bob Chitester
The Damn Right production crew in New York City: Bob Chitester, Patti Wyss, Tom Bush, Denise Nolan, David Asman, and Victor Verhaeghe.
Damn Right production crew
The relationship between Milton Friedman and Bob Chitester was very close. Bob considered Milton a second father.
Bob Chitester and Milton Friedman Conversing
Bob AKA “The Amish Gunslinger” enjoying another staff picnic in 2011.
Staff picnic - Bob Chitester in Hat and Gloves
REMEMBERING BOB
More Images
Bob Chitester, WQLN office, Erie, PA
Bob Chitester and Milton Friedman Conversing
VIDEOS
More Videos

This video about Bob Chitester traces his beginnings in television production, his arrangement with Milton and Rose Friedman, and how the "maverick" producer built an organization to advance the ideas of personal, economic, and political freedom. Click here for more videos.

This video about Bob Chitester traces his beginnings in television production, his arrangement with Milton and Rose Friedman, and how the "maverick" producer built an organization to advance the ideas of personal, economic, and political freedom. Click here for more videos.

MEDIA INQUIRES

The Free To Choose Network announcement about Bob Chitester and high-res photos are available for media. Please click on ANNOUNCEMENT below.

ANNOUNCEMENT